Junior Commissioning Engineer
Community to Utility-Scale PV & BESS
Testing · Commissioning · O&M
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Looking to launch your engineering career in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the energy industry? This is your entry point. Based out of our Maine headquarters, we're a startup with big ambitions and a tight-knit team that believes in developing talent from the ground up. As a Junior Commissioning Engineer, you'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Lead Commissioning Engineer on real utility-scale solar projects — not running simulations or sitting in a classroom, but out in the field bringing clean energy infrastructure to life. We're growing fast, and the engineers who join us now will grow with us. If you're hungry to learn, unafraid to get your hands dirty, and excited by the idea of a career that leaves something behind on the landscape, we want to meet you.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Junior Commissioning Engineer supports the Lead Commissioning Engineer in planning and executing testing and commissioning activities at utility-scale solar PV projects. This role develops hands-on experience interpreting engineered drawings and translating design documents into field test procedures, while performing and documenting a full range of pre- and post-energization tests under direct mentorship. It is an intentionally developmental role — structured to build the technical foundation for a long-term career in solar commissioning. In addition to the testing & commissioning services, the Junior Engineer will also support the expanding O&M services Mission Control offers. The responsibilities will include assisting in building O&M proposals based on IFC sets and system design, monitoring our clients' PowerTrack systems & communicating back to clients per our contractual agreements, troubleshooting and assisting in maintenance recommendations & solutions when systems are down, and overseeing yearly inspections and add-on services for our clients.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
– Support the Lead Commissioning Engineer in developing testing and commissioning proposals by reading and interpreting engineered drawings, including single-line diagrams, protection coordination studies, equipment schedules, and site plans.
– Assist in preparing commissioning plans, test procedures, and acceptance checklists derived from project design documents and manufacturer specifications.
– Perform hands-on pre- and post-energization testing under the supervision of the Lead Commissioning Engineer, including DC/AC system testing, insulation resistance, IV curve tracing, and functional equipment verification.
– Record field test data accurately using commissioning checklists, mobile applications, and project documentation platforms; flag discrepancies to the Lead Engineer promptly.
– Conduct visual inspections of PV modules, racking, wiring, conduit, and BOS equipment for conformance with design drawings and installation standards.
– Support inverter, transformer, and switchgear cold commissioning activities including equipment verification, setting checks, and pre-energization sign-off checklists.
– Assist with coordination of punch list documentation, tracking open items, and communicating status to the Lead Commissioning Engineer.
– Participate in site safety briefings, adhere to NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements and LOTO procedures, and support a strong safety culture on every project.
– Contribute to post-commissioning reporting and lessons-learned documentation to support continuous improvement of team procedures.
– Engage in ongoing professional development, including study toward relevant certifications and hands-on mentorship from senior team members.
– This role spends about 50%–75% of the time in the field, and can expect regular travel to the various markets and states we operate in. (ME, NH, MA, NY, PA, DE, VA, IL)
TESTING RESPONSIBILITIES — PHASE 1: PRE-ENERGIZATION
– Grid Emulation Testing — Assist in simulating utility-grid conditions to confirm inverters, switchgear, and protection equipment respond correctly before grid connection.
– DAS Pre-Qualification — Support verification of DAS devices, sensors, and communication pathways against configuration and performance requirements.
– DAS Remote Commissioning — Assist with final DAS setup, configuration, and functionality checks to ensure live site data is accessible and reporting correctly.
– Insulation Resistance Testing — Perform megger testing on conductors, equipment, and circuits and document results against design thresholds.
– IV Curve Testing — Operate I-V curve tracing equipment on PV strings and modules; document results and flag underperforming strings for review.
– Open Circuit Voltage Testing — Measure and record string/module Voc, confirming correct wiring, polarity, and module count against engineered drawings.
– Inverter Cold Commissioning — Assist with inverter pre-energization checks including firmware verification, settings confirmation, and communication testing.
– Transformer Cold Commissioning — Support inspection and verification of transformer wiring, tap settings, grounding, and relay protections prior to energized testing.
– Main Circuit Breaker & Switchboard Settings — Assist in confirming breaker protection parameters against the protection coordination study under Lead Engineer direction.
– Ground Grid Resistance Testing — Support testing of the site grounding system and document results for compliance review.
– VLF Cable Testing — Assist with Very Low Frequency high-voltage testing of medium-voltage cables and document pass/fail results.
– Surge Arrester, Air Switches, CT & PT Testing — Perform inspections and basic functional checks under direct supervision; record all findings in commissioning documentation.
– Recloser Relay & Meter Programming — Assist the Lead Engineer with configuration verification and functionality testing of protection relays and utility meters.
– Fiber Drop/Loss Testing — Operate OTDR or light source/power meter equipment to verify fiber-optic link performance and document attenuation results.
TESTING RESPONSIBILITIES — PHASE 2: POST-ENERGIZATION
– Thermography Testing — Operate thermal imaging cameras to scan electrical equipment and PV strings; flag hotspots and anomalies for Lead Engineer review.
– Operating Current & Capacity Testing — Measure and record running currents and equipment output under operating conditions; compare against design values and document deviations.
– Hot Commissioning — Assist with energized functional checks, protection testing, and communication validation under direct Lead Engineer supervision.
– Racking Commissioning — Perform physical inspection of racking systems against engineering specifications; document torque values, alignment, and grounding continuity.
– Also Energy Advanced Site Configuration — Assist in completing and submitting the site configuration form for upload into the project's PowerTrack profile.
QUALIFICATIONS
– Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Electrical Technology, or related field.
– 0–2 years of experience in electrical engineering, solar PV, or power generation; internship or co-op experience in a relevant field is a strong plus.
– Basic familiarity with AC/DC electrical systems and the ability to read single-line diagrams and electrical schematics.
– Eagerness to learn commissioning test procedures and develop hands-on proficiency with field test instruments.
– OSHA 10 certification required (or willingness to obtain before first site deployment); NFPA 70E training strongly preferred.
– Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites for extended periods; per diem and travel expenses provided.
– Strong attention to detail, curiosity, and a collaborative attitude — this role is built on learning.
– Proficiency with MS Office; experience with commissioning or project management software a plus.
BENEFITS
– Compensation commensurate with experience
– Company Health & Dental Insurance
– 401k
– PTO package
– 9 Paid Holidays
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in South Portland, ME 04106
